Jump to: Hitchcock's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Zaphnath-paaneah is the name given to Joseph by Pharaoh in the biblical narrative found in the Book of Genesis. This name is significant as it marks Joseph's rise from a Hebrew slave to a powerful leader in Egypt. The account of Joseph is a testament to God's providence and faithfulness, showcasing how He can elevate His chosen servants to positions of influence for His purposes. Biblical Account: The account of Joseph receiving the name Zaphnath-paaneah is found in Genesis 41. After interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, which foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine, Joseph is appointed as the second-in-command over Egypt. Pharaoh recognizes Joseph's wisdom and discernment, which are attributed to the Spirit of God. In Genesis 41:45 , it is recorded: "Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphnath-paaneah and gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt." Meaning and Significance: The exact meaning of the name Zaphnath-paaneah is debated among scholars. Some suggest it means "God speaks, and he lives," reflecting Joseph's role as an interpreter of divine revelation. Others propose meanings such as "revealer of secrets" or "savior of the world," emphasizing Joseph's God-given ability to interpret dreams and his role in saving Egypt and surrounding nations from famine. Joseph's Role in Egypt: As Zaphnath-paaneah, Joseph's responsibilities included overseeing the collection and storage of grain during the years of abundance and its distribution during the years of famine. His leadership not only preserved the Egyptian nation but also provided a means of survival for his own family, the Israelites, who later came to Egypt seeking food. This event set the stage for the Israelites' eventual enslavement and subsequent Exodus, a foundational narrative in the history of Israel. Theological Implications: Joseph's account, including his renaming as Zaphnath-paaneah, illustrates themes of divine sovereignty, redemption, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Despite the trials and injustices Joseph faced, God's hand was evident in his life, guiding him to a position where he could fulfill God's purposes. Joseph's faithfulness and integrity, even in adversity, serve as an example for believers to trust in God's plan and timing. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near Eastern context, it was common for foreign dignitaries or officials to receive new names upon entering the service of a king or ruler. This practice signified a change in status and often reflected the individual's new role or attributes recognized by the ruler. Joseph's new name, Zaphnath-paaneah, given by Pharaoh, underscores his acceptance and integration into Egyptian society while highlighting his unique God-given abilities. Conclusion: The name Zaphnath-paaneah, bestowed upon Joseph by Pharaoh, encapsulates the remarkable journey of a Hebrew slave who, through divine providence, rose to become a savior of nations. This narrative continues to inspire faith in God's sovereign plan and His ability to use individuals for His greater purposes. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Zaphnath-Paaneahone who discovers hidden things ATS Bible Dictionary Zaphnath-PaaneahSavior of the world, an Egyptian name given by Pharaoh to Joseph, in commemoration of the salvation wrought through him, Genesis 41:45. Easton's Bible Dictionary The name which Pharaoh gave to Joseph when he raised him to the rank of prime minister or grand vizier of the kingdom (Genesis 41:45). This is a pure Egyptian word, and has been variously explained. Some think it means "creator," or "preserver of life." Brugsch interprets it as "governor of the district of the place of life", i.e., of Goshen, the chief city of which was Pithom, "the place of life." Others explain it as meaning "a revealer of secrets," or "the man to whom secrets are revealed." International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZAPHENATH-PANEAH, ZAPHNATH-PAANEAHzaf-e'-nath-pa-ne'-a, zaf'-nath-pa-a-ne'a (tsaphenath pa`aneach; Egyptian Zoph-ent-pa-ankh; Septuagint D, Psonthomphantch, "the one who furnishes the nourishment of life," i.e. the chief steward of the realm): The name given Joseph by the Egyptian king by whom he was promoted, probably the Hyksos king Aphophis (Genesis 41:45). Strong's Hebrew 6847. Tsaphenath Paneach -- "the god speaks and he lives ...... Zaphnath-paaneah. Of Egyptian derivation; Tsophnath-Paneach, Joseph's Egyptian name -- Zaphnath-paaneah. 6846, 6847. Tsaphenath Paneach. 6848 . ... /hebrew/6847.htm - 6k Library Joseph, the Prime Minister Letter Lxxix. To Salvina. The Greek Versions as Aids to Biblical Study. Thesaurus Zaphnathpaaneah (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ZAPHENATH-PANEAH, ZAPHNATH-PAANEAH. ... See JOSEPH. Multi-Version Concordance Zaphnathpaaneah (1 Occurrence). ... /z/zaphnathpaaneah.htm - 8k Zaphnath-paaneah (1 Occurrence) Joseph (248 Occurrences) Zaphon (4 Occurrences) Zaphenathpaneah Zaph'enath-pane'ah (1 Occurrence) Zaphenath-paneah (1 Occurrence) Poti-pherah (3 Occurrences) Potipherah (3 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Zaphnath-paaneah (1 Occurrence)Genesis 41:45 Subtopics Zaphnath-Paaneah: A Name Given to Joseph by Pharaoh Related Terms Zaphnath-paaneah (1 Occurrence) Zaph'enath-pane'ah (1 Occurrence) |
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